Geotechnical Borings by San Diego Unified Port District for Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal Redevelopment at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal
Summary
SCH Number
2026071014
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Geotechnical Borings by San Diego Unified Port District for Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal Redevelopment at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/24/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve drilling, logging and sampling of geotechnical borings and cone penetration tests (CPT) by the San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the city of San Diego, California. The purpose of the proposed project is to perform tests and exploratory borings in support of the proposed future redevelopment of Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT).
Work to specifically complete the proposed project would involve drilling approximately five (5) mud rotary borings to a depth between 60-150 feet below ground surface with a 3–8-inch diameter, approximately ten (10) hollow stem auger borings to a depth between 10-30 feet below ground surface with an 8 inch diameter, and approximately 25 CPT throughout TAMT at a depth between 60-150 feet below ground surface with a 3 inch diameter. Soil cuttings and drilling mud generated during the work would be temporarily stored in 55-gallon drums for future sampling, screening and disposal, with drums being stored for approximately 60 days at a staging area at the Harborside delivery waiting area on the east end of TAMT. The boring samples would be transported to laboratories for analysis and testing offsite. The boring holes would be backfilled with cement-bentonite grout and patched at ground surface to match existing site conditions.
At select boring locations, drilling duration would extend multiple days and steel plates would be used to cover the boring holes in between work. Overnight equipment would be staged temporarily at each boring location where it wouldn’t interfere with facility operations. Construction of the proposed project is anticipated to occur in mid-2026 and take approximately 30 days to complete geotechnical work, with drums being stored up to approximately 60 days at the staging area. Equipment to complete the proposed project would include a truck-mounted, hollow stem auger drill rig with mud rotary capabilities, CPT truck, support vehicles and associated geotechnical equipment.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Damon Braden
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Capital Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Justin Huitema
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1800 Crosby Road, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Class 6)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15306 (Existing Facilities) and Section 3.f. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would be for the purpose of basic data collection, research and resource evaluation activities which would not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Section 3.f. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines is as follows:
3.f. Information Collection (SG § 15306) (Class 6): Includes basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may before information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which has not yet been approved, adopted or funded.
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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